Screenwriting : Sunset by Tom Norton

Tom Norton

Sunset

Sunset is still considered Day in a screenplay, correct?

Lukas Strautins

it's considered sunset.

EXT. LOCATION - SUNSET

But also please don't say "the sun is setting" in the big text (description). You've just said it in the slugline.

Your "times of day" not only play a silent character/role in your story, but dictate to crew of when shooting is. Remember, it's a blueprint for a movie.

MIDNIGHT hints at something shady might be happening, DAWN signals rebirth with a new light, AFTERNOON has a certain feel to it IF that's what your scene is about.

If the time of day isn't playing a significant role, just DAY or NIGHT is fine.

Dan MaxXx

If you're gonna use sunset/dawn/dusk, then write a short description why. Set-up mood & tone. Study scripts of your favorite screenwriters and see how they did it on the page. Someone here recently mentioned, "Lethal Weapon." Read the 1st page, 1st sentence of how Shane Black does it.

This how-to-shoot for "production" is not your concern now. Or ever. It's a writing sample until it aint. GL

Tom Norton

I only use Dusk 3 times in my story. Is it better to establish that you use Dusk early, or ONLY when it's directly applicable to the scene, even if it's later in the script?

Maurice Vaughan

I think only when it's directly applicable to the scene, even if it's later in the script, Tom Norton.

Mark Films

Nice Tom Norton

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